Well where do we start?
Assuming you better half, significant other or friend does not want to go in the sea or pool while we are there they still will have plenty to see and do. Cliffoney (on the main Sligo-Donegal-Derry road) is well serviced by Bus Eireann - but obviously if they want to get off the beaten track a car would be best. Here are some ideas they might like to consider...
Mullaghmore itself has a great 5k walk around the headland with spectacular views out to Inishmurray Island. On a clear day you can also see over to the Sliabh League sea-cliffs in Co. Donegal. The walk brings you along a headland with small cliffs where (sometimes) spectacular waves crash against the shore. Also, while not as abundant as at taller sea-cliffs like Aughris Head, there is still plenty of bird life to watch out for. Skylarks might be heard over the grassy fields while you might see straight-winged Fulmars easily gliding over waves and skimming past they cliffs. Keep an eye out to sea as was well. Because what you think at first glance is just a bright-white 'seagull' could be a Gannet ready to make a spectacular dive!
For those who are really into their birds there are also the "Bunduff Lakes". On either side of the road as you travel back up to the N15 they waders, swans, ducks and geese of all kinds can be seen there - including some rarer species like the Little Egret. So the lakes are a popular spot with local ornithologists and if your luck is in you might even be able to join them on one of their outings. Or perhaps a talk by one of their members. Check out their News Page.
Just a few hundred yards from the Bunduff lakes across the road from our base is Creevykeel court tomb. Well worth a walk around to get in touch with the history of the land. You might also be able to arrange a group or personal tour of Creevykeel, Carrowmore, Carrowkeel and other megalithic sites with Martin Byrne. A Bord Failte approved guide, Martin has a keen personal interest in all things megalithic and mythological. However even if you can't book him as a personal tour guide, you can still learn an amazing amount about the significance of these monuments from his site (well worth a visit).
Also an accomplished musician, Martin is one of many traditional players who gather each Tuesday at 8pm in either O'Donnells, Harrisions or Gorevan's pubs in Cliffoney to play some tunes. The talent in this bunch is quite extraordinary and you can learn about some of the musicians involved through the IrelandHarp website (although for practical reasons they aren't able to bring the harp to the pub each week!).
When it comes to checking out the scenery, a five minute drive brings you to Island View Riding Stables in Moneygold who offer lessons or beach and day long treks in our stunning north Sligo landscape.
The Gleniff horseshoe drive offers spectacular scenery and is only minutes away from our base. The mountain Benbulben is a truly breath taking spectacle and is often compared to Table mountain in South Africa. If intending to climb it please contact a guide as there are currently trespass issues on one farmers land and from a safety point of view a guide is essential unless you are an experienced mountaineer.
A 40 minute drive will bring you to the base of Knocknarea which is an easy climb/walk to the summit and is suitable for kids. Legend has it that Queen Maeve is buried in the Cairn tomb on top and overlooks all of Sligo. Bring a small stone from the base to lay on the cairn for good luck. The Carrowmore megalithic structures are only 5 minutes from here. There is also a visitor centre run by The Office of Public Works which offers short guided tours describing several types of megalithic monuments - and their careful siting in the landscape.
Good surfing is available in nearby Streedagh, Bundoran or Strandhill. There are other spots as well but they are a closely guarded secret (and definitely not for beginners!). There are also surf schools in Ennsicrone, Bundoran, Rosnowlagh and several in Strandhill Co. Sligo including Point Break and Perfect Day.
Kitesurfing is available through LSD Kite Boarding who often frequent nearby Streedagh beach as well as Rosses Point and Lissadell.
Bundoran has it's own Championship Golf course as well as Rosses Point, Strandhill and Castle Dargan.
Waterworld in Bundoran gets the kids on the slides and wave pools and the amusement and funfair is alongside.
For something more relaxing there's also the option of a seaweed bath at Strandhill, Bundoran or Enniscrone.
For the literay buffs head back towards Sligo town but stop off at Lissadell House (check first if it's open!) homestead of Countess Markievicz and doss house for W.B.Yeats. The house and gardens have been brought back to their former glory by the current owners. From here head to Drumcliffe to visit Yeats final resting place. A coffee shop and gift shop are situated beside the graveyard.
Airsoft is now available in Sligo like war games or paintballing. Although a bit of a journey, archery can be availed of too!. Carrowmore Archers host "Have-A-Go" coaching sessions most Tuesday evenings at their Templehouse club facilities (prior booking essential). They can also sometimes provide one-off events for small groups. Contact them for more info.
Parkes Castle on the shores of Lough Gill is well worth the visit and continue on round the lake to see the isle of Inishfree imortalised by Yeats. You can also visit another favourite location of Yeats: Glencar waterfall in nearby 'Lovely Leitrim'. The waterfall itself is spectacular and the nearby Glencar Lake provides a quiet contrast for those seeking a calm day by the water (fishing anyone?). Speaking of water... keep an eye out in local shops for Glencar Water that is bottled nearby!
Fishing can also be done on the sea with boats leaving from Mullaghmore and Rosses Point. Or just cast a rod out from the pier and pontoon and see if you get lucky. Coarse fishing is available on local lakes and rivers. Salmon fishing on Ballisodare falls is abundant but requires a license and permission to fish.
Lastly, hit Sligo town not only for the shops but also to visit the Sligo Tourist office - where you can download a walking tour for free to your phone. It guides you through the town and tells you a brief history of the places and buildings. Relax by the river with a tea or coffee to finish off.
All images used with permission from the various site owners from which they originate.
